Strangers quickly become friends at Chef JJ's Backyard

Strangers quickly become friends at Chef JJ's Backyard.

That seems to be the mantra whenever I attend an event at Chef JJ's Backyard in Broad Ripple. My most recent experience was no different. We attended the "Country Mouse, City Mouse" event and have an extremely enjoyable time.

I mentioned in a blog post, prior to the event, that I had never sampled any of the food creations by "County Mouse, City Mouse" so I felt this was a great opportunity. Chef JJ's Backyard always delivers tasty food in a fun environment. This night was no different.

We were able to sample a variety of the sauces and dressings that CM/CM creates.

The products that we sampled included, Mama J's Romesco, Nyona Lake Jezebel, Chimichurri Pesto, and the Tally Ho! Dressing and Marinade and Chef JJ paired them perfectly. We bought a bunch of it as we were leaving and I'll be sure to order them with my upcoming Farm Fresh Delivery orders.

What I love most about Chef JJ's Backyard is how warm and welcome the team, JJ, Jenna, and Staraya, make you feel. They are always excited about the menu that they've created for the night and eagerly help you choose the right beverage to accommodate you meal. But even more importantly, they make everyone feel like friends.

By the end of the night, you and the other participants end up sharing recipe ideas, ingredient suggestions, and how to source various foods...just like you've known everyone for years.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, Chef JJ also shared tips for the perfect bird. He mentioned that you could buy a Turkey Bringing solution at Goose:The Market and answered any questions that people had. I have to say that thanks to Chef JJ, my first turkey came out amazing.....and the turkey soup afterward was some of the best I've ever had.

Our next Chef JJ event will be a Sun King brewers dinner, and I hear these are a blast! We can't wait!

Strangers quickly become friends at Chef JJ's Backyard

Cadillac Ranch, Sushi at Lulu's, N

notable news items:

The Cadillac Ranch plans to open at 39 Jackson Street on December 11. The Cadillac Ranch is a western themed restaurant and bar and is opening in Union Station. It's always exciting to see more businesses moving downtown, and this chain is still small enough that it will still feel unique.

Second, in what I call, "New to Me", is sushi at Lulu's. I had a work event at Flemings and I noticed a sign on the window of Lulu's so I drove by to check it out. Lulu's, which to me has always been a late night Cougar hangout, now has a sushi bar called Makoto. Makoto opened back in the early fall and I have yet to be there. Have you? Is it any good?

Finally, Napolese, the pizza restaurant by Martha Hoover has received the variance it was seeking to allow for outdoor seating....and while this doesn't seem so interesting in December, we'll be loving it next spring!

Cadillac Ranch, Sushi at Lulu's, N